I drive from Orlando to Cocoa often and I've been seeing it's progress and it's pretty cool to see. Now, I also drive to Tampa a lot and I want to see that expansion
There's just something about seeing a train traveling on new rail on a new corridor that really pleases me and makes me glad we are getting more trains throughout the country. Thank you, as always, for sharing this huge milestone!
FINALLY!!! Living in Central Florida for over ten years now from the Northeast. This is such an achievement for Florida and I hope the progress continues.
To see this all being built from beginning to end has been great. The fact that this is a private venture and they betting so heavily on passenger rail should be an indication that passenger rail works when planned and purposeful.
And Brightline did it way faster than the government would do it! Let’s see if anything gets done by the government. Everybody touts the infrastructure bill as a game changer. Let’s see if anything gets done. Brightline has already begun the preliminary work on Brightline West between San Bernardino and Las Vegas. They will probably put this line into service before California puts their first segment of their high speed rail line in service! I bet on Brightline.
Correction: passenger rail works when the backers aren’t afraid to wait a decade or more to see returns. The problem with US rail (and transit in general) is that we sink a ton of money into the first step, then have a change of heart - sometimes before we even see results - and pull the plug on both service funding and expansion. We end up with fragmented networks that have complete ass for frequency, then point to this self-defeating process as proof transit doesn’t work here. Fortress Investment Group hasn’t done that, even though their shareholders correctly point out that the Brightline project has been causing the group huge financial strain for the better part of a decade. They’ve kept a high standard of service (especially in frequency) and kept bulling ahead with construction, and the result is Brightline has tapped into much more of its potential.
You have done an outstanding job of creating the history of this significant mobility project. It’s the best. Your work will be a significant resource that covers the history of the project. Brightline should work with you to use your work to create a visual history. This should not be forgotten as it’s a well done story.
The drone is a game changer. I really don't like train run-by films. The drone just gives a perspective that's godlike. Almost watching a model train move along the scenery!
There was a railroad to my home town of Carrabelle FL. After WW2, the roads replaced the railroad. My senior year project in highschool documented the life and times of the Carrabelle - Tallahassee railroad
3:45 Huh, I take that exit from the 528 sometimes; took it this morning, in fact. I didn't realize the train line ran right next to it. Guess you miss some details when you're trying to drive safely instead of rubbernecking. Kinda cool to see a place I go through at times (usually when the exit to 436 is crowded enough that I can justify to myself paying an extra fifty cents to use the Goldenrod toll) is on display.
This story and coverage has just been amazing. And now equally amazing is how many responses here already not more than a day after this 1st Test Train video being uploaded. Great work RRP.
Awesome Drone work, a feather in your cap,you were invited to film this, more testimony to your beautiful work,as well as being recognized by Brightline, Kudo’s Austin!
I am incredibly excited for this expansion! I have ridden Brightline many times from West Palm Beach to Miami. Being able to jump on it at City Place and go to Disney or just hang-out in ORL for a weekend without the hassle of all the construction on the Turnpike or I-95 is heaven-sent. Does anyone know if, when in operation, the rear loco is used as a DPU on a push-pull system?
Oh my god, this is The Super Mario Bros. Movie all over again! I can’t wait to see Brightline trains operating at 125 MPH and how amazing this going to be!
Saw it rolling under Cargo Rd when coming to work that day, and rolling down from the station back towards the maintenance building later on that evening. It'll be very interesting to see how things go once the line fully opens.
Slowest passenger service EVER!!! 😁 Just KIDDING! I know it was all for the required testing and thank you for documenting this. My son is chomping at the bit for his first trip to Miami from our home in Central Florida. Now I'm heading over to your video of the first 125 mph test to see what this train can really do!
If the Sunrail and the Brightline connector, I'd be so happy. I could literally drive 15 mins and then be in Miami without having to drive the 4 hours.
Nooooo, I waited the whole video for the best part and the train stopped early!!! It will be beautiful when you see it cross over I95 and then dip down around a retention pond and make an S turn through a tunnel under sr528 and then parallel 528 on the north side
This train was originally delivered new straight from the Siemens factory by CSX to the Orlando Vehicle Maintenance Facility last summer and has been stored there since. This is the first time it has been used as a test train.
@@RoamingRailfan I saw one of their trains many times when they were checking the West Palm to Cocoa section . Our business is right up against the tracks in Melbourne, so we've been watching them doubling the tracks for a while.
This is great to see! ....but why does the train have to move so slowly? It's not going to make people jump out of their cars if they see a train travelling slower than they are in their own cars! We need to see this train zooming down this line, leaving cars trailing in its wake as it speeds past them. THIS will get people interested, and see more swap their cars for long distance (high speed) train travel. Maybe it's just 'slow test run', but anyway it would be nice to see another video in a few months time of a train travelling alot faster down this track. Then, people will realise that fast train services have finally arrived, and have become a reality. And crucially, be a viable alternative to the car. Good luck. This project NEEDS to succeed. It cannot afford to fail.
It feels so surreal to finally see a train on a piece of rail line that I've watched being built since the very start
Same here.
Same here especially in Brevard county by Melbourne and Palm Bay area with a second tracks as well the Train bridge getting rebuilt is jaw dropping
I drive from Orlando to Cocoa often and I've been seeing it's progress and it's pretty cool to see. Now, I also drive to Tampa a lot and I want to see that expansion
That is what we call progress
There's just something about seeing a train traveling on new rail on a new corridor that really pleases me and makes me glad we are getting more trains throughout the country. Thank you, as always, for sharing this huge milestone!
FINALLY!!! Living in Central Florida for over ten years now from the Northeast. This is such an achievement for Florida and I hope the progress continues.
To see this all being built from beginning to end has been great. The fact that this is a private venture and they betting so heavily on passenger rail should be an indication that passenger rail works when planned and purposeful.
And Brightline did it way faster than the government would do it! Let’s see if anything gets done by the government. Everybody touts the infrastructure bill as a game changer. Let’s see if anything gets done. Brightline has already begun the preliminary work on Brightline West between San Bernardino and Las Vegas. They will probably put this line into service before California puts their first segment of their high speed rail line in service! I bet on Brightline.
Correction: passenger rail works when the backers aren’t afraid to wait a decade or more to see returns.
The problem with US rail (and transit in general) is that we sink a ton of money into the first step, then have a change of heart - sometimes before we even see results - and pull the plug on both service funding and expansion. We end up with fragmented networks that have complete ass for frequency, then point to this self-defeating process as proof transit doesn’t work here.
Fortress Investment Group hasn’t done that, even though their shareholders correctly point out that the Brightline project has been causing the group huge financial strain for the better part of a decade. They’ve kept a high standard of service (especially in frequency) and kept bulling ahead with construction, and the result is Brightline has tapped into much more of its potential.
I never would have dreamed of seeing a new rail corridor like this... In FLORIDA of all places. Amazing and historic moment. Great job capturing it!
Yay Florida we have a cool train. Think how little real estate the tracks occupy compared to the multi lane highway
The reality is here at last well done Brightline, thank you for covering this.
Looking forward to ride this down to Miami this fall.
You have done an outstanding job of creating the history of this significant mobility project. It’s the best. Your work will be a significant resource that covers the history of the project. Brightline should work with you to use your work to create a visual history. This should not be forgotten as it’s a well done story.
The timeline of construction by Brightline and Roaming railfan.
Talk about step in the right direction, Way to go Brightline and Florida !
It's great that Brightline invited you out to film in sections not accessible to most. Thanks for the video.
Awesome! Hats off to those to worked and contributed to this monumental project! Thank you so very much! Cheers!
What a momentous milestone!
The drone is a game changer. I really don't like train run-by films. The drone just gives a perspective that's godlike. Almost watching a model train move along the scenery!
Bright Green looks great in these shots. The paint scheme fits Florida. Glad the Virgin deal fell through.
Traveling the 528 every few months, it has been fun watching the progress…I think back to when it all started and it is just awesome.
There was a railroad to my home town of Carrabelle FL. After WW2, the roads replaced the railroad. My senior year project in highschool documented the life and times of the Carrabelle - Tallahassee railroad
Have a great new week!!
You know I’ve been waiting on this day for a long time. . I am so ready to go for a ride.
Exciting times!
Put a genuine smile on me. So happy to see it rolling along after all these years of anticipation.
Yesss finally been waiting all week
Finally! I’ve been watching this section be built since the beginning. I can’t wait to ride it!
I'm so excited, I just can't hide it
The slow speed made for excellent “glamour shots”! Very nice photography!!
i do see they prepared the bridge ends over the roads for an addition of a later second track .
Congratulations on documenting this historic event in transportation! 👏🏼
3:45 Huh, I take that exit from the 528 sometimes; took it this morning, in fact. I didn't realize the train line ran right next to it. Guess you miss some details when you're trying to drive safely instead of rubbernecking. Kinda cool to see a place I go through at times (usually when the exit to 436 is crowded enough that I can justify to myself paying an extra fifty cents to use the Goldenrod toll) is on display.
Thanks for documenting this historical event
Thank you for the video and thanks to Brightline for giving you access.
Wow, this is neat! Can't wait to see this train running at 125mph and going way faster than all the cars!!
You did a great job documenting this important event. Excellent drone handling, too! Thanks!
Can’t wait to ride this beautiful train! Want to test trip ORL to Miami for future cruise connections!
Another step closer :) Really cool
This story and coverage has just been amazing. And now equally amazing is how many responses here already not more than a day after this 1st Test Train video being uploaded. Great work RRP.
Thanks for an upclose view!
Excellent video, thx! And nice to see that the line has Wildlife Corridors underneath so fauna can safely circumvent the rails (and 528)!
Awesome Drone work, a feather in your cap,you were invited to film this, more testimony to your beautiful work,as well as being recognized by Brightline, Kudo’s Austin!
A great day!!
Great update, thanks. Can't wait to go to Miami on it.
So good to see a train on these rails, it won't be long now!
Looks good going down the line.
Very instructive - thank you! Also excellent sound design on drone segments \m/
Awesome. I can’t wait to see their trains blazing along through there!
Yeah, hopefully when I come back to Orlando in 2024, I can go, MCO, to train, to Universal quickly.
This is certainly going to affect air travelers. Now I will consider the trip north to Orlando and have more options for certain flights.
Pause at 2:38. This nearly feels like an image you'd expect to see in Japan
Brightline is making Florida aesthetic, one train at a time.
Exciting times to be sure!
Applause given!
I am incredibly excited for this expansion! I have ridden Brightline many times from West Palm Beach to Miami. Being able to jump on it at City Place and go to Disney or just hang-out in ORL for a weekend without the hassle of all the construction on the Turnpike or I-95 is heaven-sent.
Does anyone know if, when in operation, the rear loco is used as a DPU on a push-pull system?
IIRC they will once they have it up to the planned 7 cars for acceleration anyway. These engines should be powerful enough for top speed on their own.
Excellent video as usual! Look forward to the 125mph videos!
Great aerial camera work!
Oh my god, this is The Super Mario Bros. Movie all over again! I can’t wait to see Brightline trains operating at 125 MPH and how amazing this going to be!
Finally we're at this point can't wait to get on board this summer
This is historic, we won’t see history like it again till they head west to Tampa!
Saw it rolling under Cargo Rd when coming to work that day, and rolling down from the station back towards the maintenance building later on that evening. It'll be very interesting to see how things go once the line fully opens.
I’ve been waiting for this video!! 🎉🎉
Some great video, I hope we will see it going full speed in matter of months.
Florida's latest tourist attraction! I plan to be in Florida later this year. I hope to squeeze in a ride on this train.
Wooooo!!!
Wow!
Once again, literally the only reason why I’ll ever bother going to Florida in the future (sorry beaches, WDW😂).
I just looked in the future map it's awesome 👌 .
😄👍🌊
So the train from MCO is going to have a stop on Cocoa also??
No stop is currently planned for Cocoa. First station stop will be West Palm Beach
@@RoamingRailfan Thanks for the quick response!
Slowest passenger service EVER!!! 😁 Just KIDDING! I know it was all for the required testing and thank you for documenting this. My son is chomping at the bit for his first trip to Miami from our home in Central Florida. Now I'm heading over to your video of the first 125 mph test to see what this train can really do!
Waaaaahooooooooooo
Great video! Are we still on track for the Orlando extension to open sometime this year?
Later this year!
8:19 what are they building to the right?
A new road and more neighborhoods
New rail line, new train, what’s not to like?
do they need really 2 locomotives for just 4 coaches?
Redundancy plus they do eventually plan to increase train lengths which would require it.
If the Sunrail and the Brightline connector, I'd be so happy.
I could literally drive 15 mins and then be in Miami without having to drive the 4 hours.
Nooooo, I waited the whole video for the best part and the train stopped early!!!
It will be beautiful when you see it cross over I95 and then dip down around a retention pond and make an S turn through a tunnel under sr528 and then parallel 528 on the north side
Aren't they going to have lower speed limits during the summer when those rails get hot & expand?
No, the rails go through a process called destressing which prevents that from happening
What is the parallel construction work shown from 5:25 thru 8:23?
Roads going in for several new neighborhoods that are about to be built
@@RoamingRailfan Thanks for the info.
I’m wondering, what will the speeds be between Orlando and Cocoa once operations begin?
125mph
6:15 What's being built on the southside of the Orlando line❓️
A new road for more neighborhoods that are going to be built
I cojld not tell from the video, but I assume the signals are operational???
They are being tested but not fully operational yet.
Why does the line go to a one track format on the way to Coco?
Only a single track is required for the schedule they are planning
I guess the train going slow for the new line but it will going 125 mph sooner
7:25 Now that’s a BIG turnout there! Oughta be able to take trains at a pretty high speed!
Will those not using the Orlando airport be able to use this when it opens?
Yes
Why is it single tracked? Won’t this mess with frequent service?
The single track has plenty of capacity for the service they plan to operate and there is double track on either end of the segment.
How did they get the train to Orlando to start the test? Is it the same train that made the tests from Cocoa to West Palm?
This train was originally delivered new straight from the Siemens factory by CSX to the Orlando Vehicle Maintenance Facility last summer and has been stored there since. This is the first time it has been used as a test train.
@@RoamingRailfan I saw one of their trains many times when they were checking the West Palm to Cocoa section . Our business is right up against the tracks in Melbourne, so we've been watching them doubling the tracks for a while.
Is all the blocking, signaling, detection.... operational?
Being tested currently
What part of the video is the turnout in?
Around the 7 minute mark
What’s the estimate for it to be put into service?
This year
Will Orlando be the first American city with an airport and passenger rail on one location?
Definitely not. Denver, New York, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles in about a year. Many others.
Have any idea, please what they’re building next to the train? They’re plowing soil etc. to build something.??
Building a new road as more neighborhoods are going to be built soon
@@RoamingRailfan thanks for the information. Florida keeps growing and growing. !!!
Will it be all double track eventually?
There are long term plans for additional double tracking
Brightline should give you a lifetime pass when service starts.
California's high speed rail kicks as.....oh what? Never mind.
How much did this cost to build?! And who paid for it? 😳
Several billion dollars of private investment
@@RoamingRailfan It’s still shocking to me that they found private investors to get behind this 🤯
This is great to see! ....but why does the train have to move so slowly? It's not going to make people jump out of their cars if they see a train travelling slower than they are in their own cars!
We need to see this train zooming down this line, leaving cars trailing in its wake as it speeds past them. THIS will get people interested, and see more swap their cars for long distance (high speed) train travel.
Maybe it's just 'slow test run', but anyway it would be nice to see another video in a few months time of a train travelling alot faster down this track. Then, people will realise that fast train services have finally arrived, and have become a reality. And crucially, be a viable alternative to the car.
Good luck. This project NEEDS to succeed. It cannot afford to fail.
The next day they went 125…
ua-cam.com/video/6xmQ6VOcEM8/v-deo.html